Massachusetts State Profile

Where is Massachusetts ?
Located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, Massachusetts is the seventh-smallest state in the United States. It is bordered by New Hampshire and Vermont on the north; by Connecticut and Rhode Island on the south; Atlantic Ocean on the east and to the west of the state lies New York.

What is the capital of Massachusetts ?
The capital of Massachusetts is Boston which is also the largest city in the state. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States. According to the 2010 US Census, the estimated population of the city is 617,594.

How big is Massachusetts ?
Massachusetts is the seventh-smallest state in the United States covering an area of 10,555 square miles.

What is the population of Massachusetts ?
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, Massachusetts had an estimated population of 6,547,629. It is the fourteenth-most populous US state.

What are the administrative divisions of Massachusetts ?
Massachusetts is divided into fifty cities and 301 towns that are grouped into fourteen counties. They are: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket.

What is the nickname of Massachusetts ?
The nickname of Massachusetts is the "Bay State." The name refers to the Cape Cod Bay where early settlements of the state were made and also to the colony of Massachusetts Bay, founded in 1628.

Who are the political leaders of Massachusetts ?
The governor of Massachusetts is the head of the executive branch of the government.Governor: Deval Patrick Lieutenant Governor: Tim Murray

What is the official religion of Massachusetts ?
Though Massachusetts was found by the Puritans, the dominant religion in the state is Roman Catholicism. Today Puritans make up less than one-fourth of the state's population. There are also a number of Buddhists, Pagans, Hindus, Seventh-day Adventists, Muslims, Jews and Mormons in the state.

What is the official language of Massachusetts ?
The official and also the most commonly used language in Massachusetts is English. Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Russian and Chinese are the minority languages in the state.

When did Massachusetts achieve statehood ?
Massachusetts is the sixth US state; it was admitted to the Union on February 6, 1788. It was one of the most important of the thirteen colonies that resisted British oppression. Before achieving statehood, it was known as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The Shay's Rebellion was an important step in the drafting of new constitution. This new constitution would replace the Articles of Confederation. The state ratified the new constitution on February 6, 1788 and Massachusetts was admitted to the Union as the sixth US state.

What is the economy of Massachusetts like ?
Shipping, electronic equipment, higher education, biotechnology, finance, health care, tourism, printing, and publishing are the major sectors/industries in the state of Massachusetts. According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state had a gross state product of US$365 billion in 2008 while the personal per capita income was $50,735. Agriculture is a significant part of the economy and the major agricultural products in the state are tobacco, livestock, and fruits, tree nuts, and berries. Massachusetts is the second-largest producer of cranberry in the United States.

What are the famous places in Massachusetts ?
Massachusetts is home to a number of historical museums, state parks and beaches. John Hancock Observatory, the skywalk above the Prudential Tower, Faneuil Hall, and Boston Common, American Antiquarian Society, Maria Baldwin House, Museum of Fine Arts, and New England Aquarium are the major attractions. What are the state symbols of Massachusetts ?

State Bird : The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is the official state bird of Massachusetts. It was appointed the state bird in 1941. It is a common backyard bird inhabiting the northern two-thirds of the United States and much of Canada.

State Tree : The American elm (Ulmus Americana) was designated the official state tree of Massachusetts in 1941. It was chosen the state tree to commemorate the fact that General George Washington took command of the Continental Army beneath an American elm on Cambridge Common in 1775.

State Flower : The mayflower (Epigaea regens) was designated the official state flower of Massachusetts in 1918.

State Flag : The State Flag of Massachusetts has a white background with the coat of arms represented on both sides. There is a white star on the shield representing Massachusetts, one of the original thirteen states. The flag was officially adopted in 1908. However, the present design replaced the initial flag in 1971.